A short-eared owl defends its territory from a kestrel as the pair tussle on a branch. The birds of prey spread their wings wide to intimidate each other and keep their balance on the dead branch, which lies in the middle of a field in Arbroath, Scotland.

The confrontation happened so quickly, amateur photographer Darren Dawson didn't realise he'd captured it until looking back on the pictures he'd taken on his trip to photograph short-eared owls. The 47-year-old quality...more »

A short-eared owl defends its territory from a kestrel as the pair tussle on a branch. The birds of prey spread their wings wide to intimidate each other and keep their balance on the dead branch, which lies in the middle of a field in Arbroath, Scotland.

The confrontation happened so quickly, amateur photographer Darren Dawson didn't realise he'd captured it until looking back on the pictures he'd taken on his trip to photograph short-eared owls. The 47-year-old quality controller from Dundee, Scotland, said: "The short-eared owl is fighting with a female kestrel over territory or food, I would guess. SEE OUR COPY FOR DETAILS.